The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today congratulated its affiliate the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) on receiving the Democracy Courage Award on behalf of Somali journalists from the World Movement for Democracy (WMD).
“We congratulate our colleagues on this award and welcome the recognition of their fight for the rights of Somali journalists and press freedom,” said Aidan White the General Secretary of the IFJ.
The World Movement for Democracy (WMD) held its fifth assembly in Kiev, Ukraine, from April 6 and 9. It is a global network of democrats including independent journalists, trade unionists, business leaders, religious leaders, human rights activists, practitioners and academics.
“This tribute comes at a crucial moment for press freedom, human rights and a transitional democratization process in Somalia – a time when death threats, arrests, killings, fears of arrest and intimidations of media professionals are alarmingly common in our country,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
One journalist has been killed this year in Somalia and eight lost their lives last year. Journalists are regularly assaulted or threatened by government forces and insurgents. At least fifty journalists and media workers have fled the country in the last year to escape the violence.
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The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide